Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Genesis 17 and Psalm 10

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READ: Genesis 17 / Psalm 10

Verses chosen for meditation: Genesis 17:5-6.

5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.  (Gen 17:5-6)


REFLECT

Names often reflect a person’s character traits or new role. We show honor and respect to people when we call them by name and affirm who God has created them to be. Often name change or addition is a result of wanting to add meanings or desired traits to it.

Genesis 17 recorded the historical change of names with Abram to Abraham and his wife Sarai to Sarah. God changed Abram's name when He made a covenant of love with him, promising that He would be their God, they would be His people and that Israel shall be a great nation through him. Together with a covenant, God also charged Abram with His new expectation and commandment to be obedient and blameless.

When God talked with Abram, God referred to Himself as God Almighty. In saying so, God is telling Abram that He is El-Shaddai or ‘God; the Mountain One’. God wanted Abram to know that He is totally invincible and that He has incomparable power, able to empower him to a higher level. It is in this light that God came a new demand, “walk before me and be blameless”, verses 1-2. Notice that Genesis 17 mentioned that it was at the age of 99 that Abram was given a new name and instructions. That was almost half way mark of his life, before he died at the age of 175.


RELATE

By giving Abram and Sarai new names, God changed their names to signify their new beginning with a new relationship and a new blessing in God only at the age of 99.

All of us are born with a sinful nature and do not desire to follow God, Ephesians 2:3. But God can change our destiny, not only our destiny here on earth, but our eternal destiny as well. It was God's intervention in Abraham’s life that made him the father of the people of faith. God desires to change our destinies with a new beginning regardless of our names or ages. Like Abram who received a new blessing at 99, it is never too late for us with God.

Our past "failures" in life cannot determine our future or stop God to give us new blessings. As long as we are willing to walk in obedience to God, He will be the El-Shaddai who is always willing to receive us and re-start with Him at any point of our lives. Not only that, Jehovah God shall be our Source of Strength to a new relationship with Him, regardless of our age. What an assurance to declare that in-Christ, we are a new creation, the old has passed, 2 Corinthians 5:17.


REST

“Thank You Lord for intervening in my life and ready to bless me at all times.

God of all names, You have made me in Your image and love me. Shape me and mould me to be more like You. God of new beginnings, thank You for all Your promises. Help me to see the new that You bring about in my life, beginning from today”. Amen.

Vincent Lee


 

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